Closure lockout systems for surgical instruments

ABSTRACT

A surgical instrument is disclosed. The surgical instrument can include a first jaw, a second jaw, and a jaw closure lockout system. The first jaw can comprise a pivot pin slot and a slide pin slot. The second jaw can comprise an anvil and, in addition, a mounting portion comprising a pivot pin, which can be movably positioned in the pivot pin slot. A shiftable guide can be movably positioned in the first jaw and can comprise a body and a barrier wall. The body can comprise a slide pin movably positioned in the slide pin slot. The barrier wall can be aligned with a portion of the pivot pin slot when the slide pin is positioned within a range of positions in the slide pin slot, and the barrier wall can be offset from the pivot pin slot when the slide pin is positioned outside the range of positions.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation application claiming priority under35 U.S.C. § 120 to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/058,427, entitledCLOSURE LOCKOUT SYSTEMS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, filed Aug. 8, 2018,now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2019/0038287, which is acontinuation application claiming priority under 35 U.S.C. § 120 to U.S.patent application Ser. No. 14/304,077, entitled CLOSURE LOCKOUT SYSTEMSFOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, filed Jun. 13, 2014, which issued on Aug. 14,2018 as U.S. Pat. No. 10,045,781, the entire disclosures of which arehereby incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates to surgical instruments and, in variousembodiments, to surgical cutting and stapling instruments and staplecartridges therefor that are designed to cut and staple tissue.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The features and advantages of this invention, and the manner ofattaining them, will become more apparent and the invention itself willbe better understood by reference to the following description ofembodiments of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a surgical stapling instrumentembodiment;

FIG. 2 is an exploded assembly view of the surgical stapling instrumentof FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 3 is an exploded assembly view of a portion of an articulationassembly embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a partial exploded perspective view of a portion of thehandle;

FIG. 5 is a side view of the handle with a handle case removed;

FIG. 6 is a partial exploded perspective view of an end effector andanvil lock embodiment;

FIG. 6A is a partial exploded perspective view of another end effectorand anvil lock member embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an anvil lock member embodiment;

FIG. 7A is a perspective view of an anvil lock member embodiment of FIG.6A;

FIG. 8 is a side elevational view of an end effector embodiment in anopen position;

FIG. 9 is a top view of the end effector of FIG. 8 ;

FIG. 10 is a bottom view of the end effector depicted in FIGS. 8 and 9 ;

FIG. 11 is a partial bottom perspective view of an anvil embodiment;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a pivot mount embodiment;

FIG. 13 is a bottom perspective view of the pivot mount embodiment ofFIG. 12 ;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a proximal end portion of a surgicalstaple cartridge embodiment;

FIG. 15 is a side elevational view of the surgical staple cartridgeembodiment depicted in FIG. 14 ;

FIG. 16 is a side view of an end effector embodiment prior to seating astaple cartridge in the elongate channel;

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of the end effector depicted in FIG.16 ;

FIG. 18 is a side view of an end effector embodiment of FIGS. 16 and 17with the anvil in the open position and wherein a surgical staplecartridge is being inserted into the elongate channel;

FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of the end effector of FIG. 18 ;

FIG. 20 is a side view of the end effector of FIGS. 16-19 with thestaple cartridge embodiment seated within the elongate channel;

FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view of the end effector of FIG. 20 ;

FIG. 22 is a side elevational view of the end effector of FIGS. 16-22clamping tissue;

FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view of the end effector of FIG. 22 ;

FIG. 24 is a side elevational view of the end effector of FIGS. 16-23 ina fully clamped position ready to fire;

FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view of the end effector of FIG. 24 ;

FIG. 26 is an exploded assembly view of another surgical staplinginstrument embodiment;

FIG. 27 is a perspective view of another pivot mount embodiment;

FIG. 28 is a bottom perspective view of the pivot mount embodiment ofFIG. 27 ,

FIG. 29 is a partial exploded perspective view of an end effector andanother anvil lock member embodiment;

FIG. 30 is a perspective view of another anvil lock member embodiment;

FIG. 31 is a partial side elevational view of a proximal end portion ofanother surgical staple cartridge embodiment;

FIG. 32 is a perspective view of a proximal end portion of the surgicalstaple cartridge embodiment of FIG. 31 ;

FIG. 33 is a side view of another end effector embodiment prior toseating a staple cartridge in the elongate channel;

FIG. 34 is a cross-sectional view of the end effector depicted in FIG.33 ;

FIG. 35 is a side view of an end effector embodiment of FIGS. 33 and 34with the anvil in the open position and wherein a surgical staplecartridge is being inserted into the elongate channel;

FIG. 36 is a cross-sectional view of the end effector of FIG. 35 ;

FIG. 37 is a side view of the end effector of FIGS. 33-36 with thestaple cartridge embodiment seated within the elongate channel;

FIG. 38 is a cross-sectional view of the end effector of FIG. 37 ;

FIG. 39 is a side elevational view of the end effector of FIGS. 33-38clamping tissue;

FIG. 40 is a cross-sectional view of the end effector of FIG. 39 ;

FIG. 41 is a side elevational view of the end effector of FIGS. 33-40 ina fully clamped position ready to fire; and

FIG. 42 is a cross-sectional view of the end effector of FIG. 41 ;

FIG. 43 is a perspective view of an end effector including an anvil, aclosure tube engageable with the anvil, an elongate channel, and astaple cartridge positioned in the elongate channel according to variousembodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 44 is a cross-sectional, perspective view of the end effector ofFIG. 43 , illustrated with a cutting element and a wedge sled removedtherefrom for the purposes of illustration;

FIG. 45 is an exploded perspective view of the end effector of FIG. 43 ;

FIG. 46 is a partial exploded perspective view of the end effector ofFIG. 43 ;

FIG. 47 is another partial exploded perspective view of the end effectorof FIG. 43 ;

FIG. 48 is an elevation view of the end effector of FIG. 43 depictingthe anvil in an open orientation, an anvil lockout system, and thestaple cartridge removed from the elongate channel, wherein the closuretube of the end effector has been illustrated in cross-section toillustrate various other aspects of the end effector;

FIG. 49 is a cross-sectional elevation view of the end effector of FIG.43 in the configuration illustrated in FIG. 48 ;

FIG. 50 is a detail view of the anvil lockout system as depicted in FIG.48 ;

FIG. 51 is a detail view of the anvil lockout system as depicted in FIG.49 ;

FIG. 52 is an elevation view of the end effector of FIG. 43 depictingthe anvil in an open orientation, the anvil lockout system, and thestaple cartridge positioned in the elongate channel, wherein the closuretube of the end effector has been illustrated in cross-section toillustrate other various aspects of the end effector;

FIG. 53 is a cross-sectional elevation view of the end effector of FIG.43 in the configuration illustrated in FIG. 52 ;

FIG. 54 is a detail view of the anvil lockout system depicted in FIG. 53, wherein a mounting portion of the anvil is shaded for the purposes ofillustration;

FIG. 55 is an elevation view of the end effector of FIG. 43 illustratingthe staple cartridge positioned in the elongate channel and the anvil ina partially closed orientation, wherein the closure tube, depicted incross-section, has been advanced distally to move the anvil into itspartially closed orientation;

FIG. 56 is a cross-sectional elevation view of the end effector of FIG.43 in the configuration illustrated in FIG. 55 ;

FIG. 57 is a detail view of the anvil lockout system as depicted in FIG.55 ;

FIG. 58 is a detail view of the anvil lockout system as depicted in FIG.56 ;

FIG. 59 is an elevation view of the end effector of FIG. 43 illustratingthe staple cartridge positioned in the elongate channel and the anvil ina fully clamped orientation, wherein the closure tube, depicted incross-section, has been advanced distally to move the anvil into itsfully clamped orientation; and

FIG. 60 is a cross-sectional elevation view of the end effector of FIG.43 in the configuration illustrated in FIG. 59 .

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Certain exemplary embodiments will now be described to provide anoverall understanding of the principles of the structure, function,manufacture, and use of the devices and methods disclosed herein. One ormore examples of these embodiments are illustrated in the accompanyingdrawings. Those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that thedevices and methods specifically described herein and illustrated in theaccompanying drawings are non-limiting exemplary embodiments and thatthe scope of the various embodiments of the present invention is definedsolely by the claims. The features illustrated or described inconnection with one exemplary embodiment may be combined with thefeatures of other embodiments. Such modifications and variations areintended to be included within the scope of the present invention.

Reference throughout the specification to “various embodiments,” “someembodiments,” “one embodiment,” or “an embodiment”, or the like, meansthat a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described inconnection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment.Thus, appearances of the phrases “in various embodiments,” “in someembodiments,” “in one embodiment”, or “in an embodiment”, or the like,in places throughout the specification are not necessarily all referringto the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features,structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner inone or more embodiments. Thus, the particular features, structures, orcharacteristics illustrated or described in connection with oneembodiment may be combined, in whole or in part, with the featuresstructures, or characteristics of one or more other embodiments withoutlimitation. Such modifications and variations are intended to beincluded within the scope of the present invention.

The terms “proximal” and “distal” are used herein with reference to aclinician manipulating the handle portion of the surgical instrument.The term “proximal” referring to the portion closest to the clinicianand the term “distal” referring to the portion located away from theclinician. It will be further appreciated that, for convenience andclarity, spatial terms such as “vertical”, “horizontal”, “up”, and“down” may be used herein with respect to the drawings. However,surgical instruments are used in many orientations and positions, andthese terms are not intended to be limiting and/or absolute.

Various exemplary devices and methods are provided for performinglaparoscopic and minimally invasive surgical procedures. However, theperson of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate that thevarious methods and devices disclosed herein can be used in numeroussurgical procedures and applications including, for example, inconnection with open surgical procedures. As the present DetailedDescription proceeds, those of ordinary skill in the art will furtherappreciate that the various instruments disclosed herein can be insertedinto a body in any way, such as through a natural orifice, through anincision or puncture hole formed in tissue, etc. The working portions orend effector portions of the instruments can be inserted directly into apatient's body or can be inserted through an access device that has aworking channel through which the end effector and elongate shaft of asurgical instrument can be advanced.

Turning to the Drawings wherein like numerals denote like componentsthroughout the several views, FIGS. 1 and 2 depict a surgical staplingdevice 10 that is capable of practicing the unique benefits of variousembodiments disclosed herein. An exemplary surgical device that hasfeatures with which embodiments of the present invention may beeffectively employed is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,704,534, entitledARTICULATION ASSEMBLY FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, which issued Jun. 6,1998, the entire disclosure of which is herein incorporated byreference. Various other exemplary surgical stapling device embodimentsare described in greater detail in the following U.S. patents which areeach herein incorporated by reference in their respective entireties:U.S. Pat. No. 6,964,363, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT HAVINGARTICULATION JOINT SUPPORT PLATES FOR SUPPORTING A FIRING BAR, whichissued Nov. 15, 2005; U.S. Pat. No. 7,000,818, entitled SURGICALSTAPLING INSTRUMENT HAVING SEPARATE DISTINCT CLOSING AND FIRING MOTIONS,which issued Feb. 21, 2006; U.S. Pat. No. 7,044,352, entitled SURGICALSTAPLING INSTRUMENT HAVING A SINGLE LOCKOUT MECHANISM FOR PREVENTION OFFIRING, which issued May 16, 2006; U.S. Pat. No. 7,111,769, entitledSURGICAL INSTRUMENT INCORPORATING AN ARTICULATION MECHANISM HAVINGROTATION ABOUT THE LONGITUDINAL AXIS, which issued Sep. 26, 2006; andU.S. Pat. No. 7,143,923, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT HAVING AFIRING LOCKOUT FOR AN UNCLOSED ANVIL, which issued Dec. 5, 2006.

Referring again to FIGS. 1 and 2 , the depicted surgical stapling device10 includes a handle 20 that is operably connected to an implementportion 22, the latter further comprising an elongate shaft assembly 30that is operably coupled to an end effector 200. The handle 20 includesa pistol grip 24 toward which a closure trigger 152 is pivotally drawnby the clinician to cause clamping, or closing of an anvil 220 toward anelongate channel 210 of the end effector 200. A firing trigger 102 isfarther outboard of the closure trigger 152 and is pivotally drawn bythe clinician to cause the stapling and severing of clamped tissue inthe end effector 200.

For example, closure trigger 152 is actuated first. Once the clinicianis satisfied with the positioning of the end effector 200, the clinicianmay draw back the closure trigger 152 to its fully closed, lockedposition proximate to the pistol grip 24. Then, the firing trigger 102is actuated. The firing trigger 102 springedly returns when theclinician removes pressure. A release button 120 when depressed on theproximal end of the handle 20 releases the locked closure trigger 152.

Articulation System

The depicted embodiment include an articulation assembly 62 that isconfigured to facilitate articulation of the end effector 200 about theelongate axis A-A of the device 10. Various embodiments, however, mayalso be effectively employed in connection with non-articulatablesurgical stapling devices. As can be seen in FIG. 2 , for example, theelongate shaft assembly 30 includes a proximal closure tube segment 151that is operably supported by a nozzle 60 that is supported on thehandle 20. The handle 20 may be formed from two handle cases 21, 23 thatoperably contain firing and closure systems 100, 150. A proximal endportion 153 of the proximal closure tube segment 151 is rotatablysupported by the handle 20 to facilitate its selective rotation aboutthe elongate axis A-A. See FIG. 1 . As can also be seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, in at least one embodiment, a distal end portion 157 of the proximalclosure tube segment 151 is coupled to a flexible neck assembly 70. Theflexible neck assembly 70 has first and second flexible neck portions,72 and 74, which receive first and second elongate flexible transmissionband assemblies 83, 85. The first and second transmission bandassemblies 83, 85 have exterior reinforcement band portions 86, 87,respectively, extending distally from the structural portions of thebands. Each exterior reinforcement band portion 86, 87 has a pluralityof attachment lugs 88 for securing first and second interiorarticulation bands 89, 90. See FIG. 2 . The transmission band assemblies83, 85 may be, for example, composed of a plastic, especially a glassfiber-reinforced amorphous polyamide, sold commercially under the tradename Grivory GV-6H by EMS-American Grilon. In contrast, it may bedesired that the interior articulation bands 89, 90 of the transmissionband assemblies 83, 85 be composed of a metal, advantageously full hard301 stainless steel or its equivalent. The attachment lugs 88 on theexterior reinforcement band portions 86, 87 of the transmission bands83, 85 are received into and secured within a plurality of lug holes 91on the corresponding interior articulation band 89, 90. At the distalend of the first and second interior articulation band assemblies 89, 90there are first and second connectors 92, 93. The articulation assemblyfurther comprises distal articulation bands 96 and 97 that areconfigured to hookingly engage the first and second connectors 92, 93,respectively. The articulation bands 96 and 97 have receptacles 98, 99to couple the bands 96, 97 to the end effector 200 as will be discussedin further detail below.

In at least one form, the flexible neck assembly 70 is preferablycomposed of a rigid thermoplastic polyurethane sold commercially asISOPLAST grade 2510 by the Dow Chemical Company. As can be seen in FIG.3 , the flexible neck assembly 70 has first and second flexible neckportions 72, 74. These neck portions 72, 74 are separated by a centrallongitudinal rib 73. See FIG. 6 . The neck portions 72, 74 each have aplurality of neck ribs 75 configured essentially as semi-circular disks.The flexible neck portions 72, 74 together generally form a cylindricalconfiguration. A side slot 76 extends through each of the neck ribs 75to provide a passage through the first and second flexible neck portions72, 74 for receiving the interior articulation bands 89, 90 and exteriorreinforcement band portions 86, 87 of the flexible band assemblies 83,85. In a similar fashion, the central longitudinal rib 73 separating thefirst and second flexible neck portions 72, 74 has a centrallongitudinal slot for providing a passage to receive the stapleractuating members. Extending proximally from the first and secondflexible neck portions 72, 74 are first and second support guidesurfaces 77, 78 for supporting the reciprocating movement of theinterior articulation bands 89, 90 and the exterior reinforcementportions 86, 87 of the flexible transmission band assemblies 83, 85.Extending from the distal end of the flexible neck portions 72, 74 is achannel guide 79 for guiding the movement of the stapler actuatingmembers into a staple cartridge 300 of the end effector 200 as will befurther discussed below.

In at least one form, when the first and second transmission bandassemblies 83, 85 are brought into contact with each other duringassembly of the instrument 10, they form an elongate cylinder which hasa longitudinal cavity through it that is concentrically positionedbetween the band assemblies 83, 85 for the passage of a firing rod 110.The proximal ends of the first and second bands have first and secondgear racks 94, 95 which, as will be discussed below, meshingly engage anarticulation assembly 62.

Upon rotation of the articulation assembly 62, one of the first andsecond flexible transmission band assemblies is moved forwardly and theother band assembly is moved rearwardly. In response to thereciprocating movement of the band assemblies 83, 85 within the firstand second flexible neck portions 72, 74 of the flexible neck assembly70, the flexible neck assembly 70 bends to provide articulation. As canbe seen in FIG. 5 , an articulation assembly 62 includes an actuator 63,an articulation body 64 and the nozzle 60. Rotational movement of theactuator 63 causes corresponding rotation of the articulation body 64within the nozzle 60. The first and second elongate transmission bandassemblies 83, 85, consequently reciprocate axially in oppositedirections parallel to the longitudinal axis A-A of the endoscopic shaft30 of the stapling device 10 to cause the remote articulation of the endeffector 200 through the flexible neck assembly 70. The articulationbody 64 further includes a drive gear 65 thereon. As can be seen in FIG.4 , the drive gear 65 has a flared opening 66 through it, and a lowerpivot 67. Within the flared opening 66 of the drive gear 65, there is afiring rod orifice 68 for receiving the firing rod 110 enabling thefiring of staples into the clamped tissue in response to pivotalrotation of the firing trigger 102. The drive gear 65 is supported formeshing engagement with the first and second drive racks 94, 95 on theflexible elongate transmission band assemblies 83, 85 to effect thedesired reciprocating movement of the band assemblies 83, 85.

As can be seen in FIG. 5 , the nozzle 60 of the articulation assembly 62has a nozzle body 61. The nozzle body 61 has an axial bore 69 extendingthrough it for receiving the drive gear 65 of the articulation body 64.The bore 69 provides a continuous opening axially from the frame intothe elongate endoscopic shaft 30 and therefore the firing rod 110 andother operative components of the stapling device 10 can communicatewith the end effector 200. Further details relating to the articulationassembly 62 may be found in U.S. Pat. No. 5,704,534, which has beenpreviously herein incorporated by reference.

Closure System

As will be discussed in further detail below, the end effector 200comprises an elongate channel 210 that is configured to operably receivea surgical staple cartridge 300. An anvil 220 is movably supportedrelative to the elongate channel 210 and is moved from an open position(FIGS. 16 and 17 ) to closed positions wherein tissue may be cut andstapled (FIGS. 24 and 25 ). The movement of the anvil 220 between openand closed positions is at least partially controlled by a closuresystem, generally designated as 150, which, as indicated above, iscontrolled by the closure trigger 152. The closure system 150 includesthe proximal closure tube segment 151 that operably houses thearticulation band assemblies 83, 85 in the manner discussed above andwhich is non-movably coupled to the flexible neck assembly 70.

In various forms, the proximal closure tube segment 151 includes aproximal end portion 153 that axially extends through the bore 69 in thenozzle 60. The proximal closure tube segment 151 has elongate axialslots 155 therethrough to permit the articulation body 64 to extendtherethrough. See FIG. 2 . The slots 155 enable the articulation body 64to rotate about articulation axis B-B relative to the proximal closuretube segment 151 while facilitating the axial movement of the proximalclosure tube segment 151 along axis A-A relative to articulation body64. The transmission bands 83, 85 function as a frame upon which theproximal closure tube segment 151 can axially move. The proximal end 153of the proximal closure tube segment 151 is rotatably coupled to aclosure yoke 154 that is supported within the handle 20 forreciprocating motion therein. See FIGS. 4 and 5 .

The closure trigger 152 has a handle section 156, a gear segment section158 and an intermediate section 160. See FIG. 5 . A bore extends throughthe intermediate section 160. A cylindrical support member 162 extendingfrom the second handle housing 23 passes through the bore for pivotablymounting the closure trigger 152 on the handle portion 20. A proximalend 98 of the closure yoke 154 has a gear rack 164 that is engaged bythe gear segment section 158 of the closure trigger 152. When theclosure trigger 152 is moved toward the pistol grip 24 of the handleportion 20, the closure yoke 154 and, hence, the proximal closure tubesegment 151 move distally, compressing a spring 166 that biases theclosure yoke 152 proximally.

In at least one form, the closure system 150 further includes a distalclosure tube segment 170 that is non-movably coupled to the channelguide portion 79 of the flex neck assembly 70 by attachment tabs 72, 74.See FIGS. 9 and 10 . The distal closure tube segment 170 has an opening176 therein that is adapted to interface with an upstanding tab 224formed on the anvil 220 as will be discussed in further detail below.Thus, axial movement of the proximal closure tube segment 151 results inaxial movement of the flex neck assembly 70, as well as the distalclosure tube segment 170. For example, distal movement of the proximalclosure tube segment 151 effects pivotal translation movement of theanvil 220 distally and toward the elongate channel 210 of the endeffector 200 and proximal movement effects opening of the anvil 220 aswill be discussed in further detail below.

Firing System

In at least one form, the surgical instrument 10 further includes afiring system, generally designated as 100, for applying firing motionsto the firing rod 110 in response to actuation of the firing trigger102. In at least one form, the firing system 100 further includes adrive member 104 that has first and second gear racks 105, 106 thereon.A first notch 109 is provided on the drive member 105 intermediate thefirst and second gear racks 105, 106. During return movement of thefiring trigger 102, a tooth 112 on the firing trigger 102 engages withthe first notch 109 for returning the drive member 104 to its initialposition after staple firing. A second notch 114 is located at aproximal end of the firing rod 110 for locking the firing rod 110 to anupper latch arm 122 of the release button 120 in its unfired position.The firing system 150 further includes first and second integral piniongears 111, 113. The first integral pinion gear 111 is engaged with adrive rack 115 provided on the firing rod 110. The second integralpinion gear 113 is engaged with the first gear rack 105 on the drivemember 104. The first integral pinion gear 111 has a first diameter andthe second integral pinion gear 113 has a second diameter which issmaller than the first diameter.

In various embodiments, the firing trigger 102 is provided with a gearsegment section 103. The gear segment section 103 engages the secondgear rack 106 on the drive member 104 such that motion of the firingtrigger 102 causes the drive member 104 to move back and forth betweenfirst and second drive positions. In order to prevent staple firingbefore tissue clamping has occurred, the upper latch arm 122 on therelease button 120 is engaged with the second notch 114 on the driverack 115 such that the firing rod 110 is locked in its proximal-mostposition. When the upper latch arm 122 falls into a recess in theclosure yoke, the upper latch arm 122 disengages with the second notch114 to permit distal movement of the firing rod 110. Because the firstgear rack 105 on the drive member 104 and the drive rack 115 on thefiring rod 110 are engaged, movement of the firing trigger 102 causesthe firing rod 110 to reciprocate between a first reciprocating positionand a second reciprocating position. Further details concerning variousaspects of the firing system 150 may be gleaned from reference to U.S.Pat. No. 7,000,818 which has been herein incorporated by reference inits entirety.

As can be seen in FIG. 3 , various embodiments, the distal end 117 ofthe firing rod 110 is rotatably received within a firing bar mountingyoke 118. The firing bar mounting yoke 118 has a slot 119 for hookinglyreceiving a hook 132 formed on a proximal end of a knife bar 130. Inaddition, as shown in FIG. 3 , a support bar 140 is supported for axialmovement between the first and second support guide surfaces 77, 78 ofthe flex neck assembly 70. The support bar 140 has a slot 142 that isconfigured to permit the knife bar 130 to slidably pass therethrough.The metal knife bar 130 has a tissue cutting edge 134 formed on itsdistal end and is configured to operably interface with a wedge sledoperably supported within a surgical staple cartridge 300.

End Effector

As discussed above, in at least one form, an end effector 200 includesan elongate channel 210 that is configured to operably support asurgical staple cartridge 300 therein. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 6 , theelongate channel 210 has a proximal end portion that includes two spacedmounting tabs 212 that are configured to be engaged by the hooks 998, 99on the distal ends of the articulation bands 96, 97. Thus, thereciprocating motions of the articulation bands 96, 97 cause theelongate channel 210 to articulate relative to the flex neck assembly70. As further indicated above, the end effector 200 also includes ananvil 220. In at least one form, the anvil 220 is fabricated from, forexample, 416 Stainless Steel Hardened and Tempered RC35 Min (or similarmaterial) and has a staple-forming undersurface 222 thereon that isconfigured for confronting engagement with the staple cartridge 300 whenmounted in the elongate channel 210. The anvil 220 is formed with aproximally extending mounting portion 223 that includes two trunnionwalls 226, 228 that each has a trunnion 30 protruding therefrom. SeeFIG. 11 . In addition, formed on the underside 232 of the mountingportion 223 is a downwardly protruding pivot tab 234 that has a slot 236extending therethrough that is configured to receive and support theknife bar 130 as it is axially advanced through the end effector 200during cutting and stapling. In addition, the anvil opening tab 224 isformed on the mounting portion 223 such that it can operably interfacewith the opening 176 in the distal closure tube segment 170 as will befurther discussed below. As can be seen in FIGS. 16-25 , the anviltrunnions 230 are configured to be movably received in correspondingtrunnion slots 214 formed in the proximal end of the elongate channel210. Each trunnion slot 214 has an arcuate segment 216 that communicateswith a locking notch 218.

To facilitate pivotal travel of the anvil mounting portion 223 relativeto the elongate channel 210, various embodiments include a pivot mount240. As can be in FIGS. 12 and 13 , one form of a pivot mount 240 has abody portion 242 that is configured to be attached to the elongatechannel 210. For example, the body portion 242 may be formed with twoopposed attachment tabs 243 that are configured to retainingly engagetab openings 211 (FIG. 6 ) formed in the elongate channel 210. Inaddition, the pivot mount 240 has a proximally extending foot portion244 that has a retainer lug 245 protruding therefrom that is configuredto be received in a corresponding opening 211 in the elongate channel210. See FIG. 17 . The pivot mount 240 may be fabricated from, forexample, Vectra A435 Liquid Crystal Polymer—natural or similarmaterials. As can be further seen in FIGS. 12 and 13 , the body portion242 has an upstanding central portion 246 that has a slot 247 extendingtherethrough for axially receiving the knife bar 130. The centralportion 246 provides lateral support to the knife bar 130 as it isdriven through tissue clamped within the end effector 200. Variousembodiments of the pivot mount 240 further include rocker surfaces 248formed on each side of the central portion 246 for pivotally receivingthe trunnion walls 226, 228 of the anvil 220 thereon.

Anvil Lockout System

Various embodiments include a unique and novel anvil lockout system 250that prevents closure of the anvil 220 when a staple cartridge 300 hasnot been properly installed in the elongate channel 210. Referring toFIGS. 6 and 7 , for example, an embodiment of an anvil lockout system250 includes a movable anvil lock member 260 that is movable in responseto contact by a portion or portions of a staple cartridge 300 as will bediscussed in further detail below. In at least one form, the anvil lockmember 260 comprises a body portion 262 that has a distally protrudingcentral support tab 264 formed thereon. A slot 266 extends through bodyportion 262 and the central support tab 264 to enable the knife bar 130to pass therethrough. The body portion 262 further includes proximallyextending mounting bar 268 that is configured to be slidably receivedwithin a corresponding mounting opening 270 in the channel guide 79 ofthe flex neck assembly 70. In addition, a biasing member in the form of,for example, a coil spring 269 is supported within the opening 270 tobias the anvil lock member 260 in the distal direction “DD”. See FIG. 16. When the anvil 220 is mounted to the elongate channel 210, thetrunnions 230 are received within their corresponding trunnion slots 214in the elongate channel 210, the central support tab 264 of the anvillock member 260 is received between the trunnion walls 226, 228 tofurther provide support to the anvil 220. The body portion 262 of theanvil lock member 260 is further formed with two cam surfaces 263configured to engage the proximal end surfaces 227, 229 of the trunnionwalls 226, 228. See FIGS. 6 and 7 . Various embodiments of the anvillock member may be fabricated from, for example, Vectra A435 LiquidCrystal Polymer—natural or similar materials.

FIGS. 6A and 7A illustrate an alternative anvil lock member 260′ that ismovable in response to contact by a portion or portions of a staplecartridge 300. In at least one form, the anvil lock member 260′comprises a body portion 262 that has a distally protruding centralsupport tab 264 formed thereon. A slot 266 extends through body portion262 and the central support tab 264 to enable the knife bar 130 to passtherethrough. The body portion 262 further includes proximally extendingmounting bar 268′ that is configured to be slidably and retainablyreceived within a corresponding mounting opening 270′ in the channelguide 79′ of the flex neck assembly 70′. In addition, a biasing memberin the form of, for example, a coil spring 269 is supported within theopening 270′ to bias the anvil lock member 260′ in the distal direction“DD”. The anvil lock member 260′ otherwise operates in the same manneras anvil lock member 260. When the anvil 220 is mounted to the elongatechannel 210, the trunnions 230 are received within their correspondingtrunnion slots 214 in the elongate channel 210, the central support tab264 of the anvil lock member 260′ is received between the trunnion walls226, 228 to further provide support to the anvil 220. The body portion262 of the anvil lock member 260 is further formed with two cam surfaces263 configured to engage the proximal end surfaces 227, 229 of thetrunnion walls 226, 228. The distal closure tube segment 170′ operatesin the same manner as the distal closure tube segment 170 describedabove.

Surgical Staple Cartridge

Various embodiments include a unique and novel surgical staple cartridge300 that is configured to interact with the anvil lockout system 250when installed in the elongate channel 210. As can be seen in FIGS. 14and 15 , in at least one form, the surgical staple cartridge 300includes a cartridge body 302 that may be fabricated from, for example,Vectra A435, 20% PTFE/15% GF-natural. The cartridge body 302 is sizedand shaped to be received within the elongate channel 210. In at leastone form, the cartridge body 302 is configured to be seated in theelongate channel 210 such that is removably retained therein. Thecartridge body 302 may be formed with a centrally disposed slot 304therein for receiving the knife bar 130. On each side of the slot 304,there is provided rows 306, 308, 310 of staple openings 312 that areconfigured to support a surgical staple therein. In the depictedembodiment, three rows 306, 308, 310 are provided on each side of theslot 304. The surgical staples may be supported on staple drivers thatare movably supported within the staple openings 312. Also supportedwithin the staple cartridge body 302 is a wedge sled that is configuredfor axial movement through the cartridge body 302 when contacted by thecutting bar. The wedge sled is configured with wedge-shaped drivingmembers that contact the staple drivers and drive the drivers and theircorresponding staples toward the closed anvil as the wedge sled isdriven distally through the cartridge body 302. Examples of stapledriver arrangements and wedge sled arrangements that may be employed aredescribed in further detail in U.S. Pat. No. 7,669,746, the entiredisclosure which is herein incorporated by reference. In variousembodiments, to facilitate installation of the wedge sled and drivers inthe cartridge body 302, metal cartridge pans 314, 316 may be attached tothe cartridge body 302 as shown in FIGS. 14 and 15 . The cartridge pans314 and 316 serve to retain the wedge sled and drivers within thecartridge body 302.

In various embodiments, the cartridge body 302 additionally has at leastone release member formed thereon that protrudes in the proximaldirection. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 14 , two release members320 are formed on the proximal end 319 of the cartridge 300. The releasemembers 320 each have a wedge shape that defines a sloped pivot surface321 that are configured to pivotally support a portion of the anvilmounting portion 223 thereon.

Installation of a Staple Cartridge

An understanding of the operation of a anvil lockout system may begleaned from reference to FIGS. 16-25 . FIGS. 16 and 17 illustrate theposition of the anvil 220 relative to the elongate channel 210 prior toinstalling a staple cartridge 300. When in that “unloaded” and openposition, the anvil lock member 260 is biased in the distal direction byspring 269 such that the cam surfaces 263 on the anvil lock member 260are in contact with the end surfaces 227, 229 of the trunnion walls 226,228. The anvil lock member 260 pushes the anvil mounting portion 223 inthe distal direction “DD” such that the trunnions 230 are seated intheir respective locking notch 218. The cam surfaces 263 on the anvillock member 260, in cooperation with the end wall surfaces 227, 229,also serve to pivot and retain the anvil in the open position as shownin FIGS. 16 and 17 . As can be seen in FIG. 16 , when in that position,the trunnion walls 226, 228 are supported on the rocker surfaces 248 onthe pivot mount 240. When in that position, the surgeon cannot close theanvil 220 by actuating the closure trigger 152 to advance the distalclosure tube 170. Because the closure tube segments cannot be advanceddistally to close the anvil 220, the closure trigger 152 cannot beactuated to its fully closed position whereby the firing trigger 102 maybe actuated. Thus, when no cartridge 300 is present, the end effector200 may not be actuated.

FIGS. 18 and 19 illustrate the initial insertion of the staple cartridge300 into the elongate channel 210. FIGS. 20 and 21 illustrate the endeffector 200 after the staple cartridge 300 has been fully seated in theelongate channel 210. As can be seen in FIG. 20 for example, when thecartridge 300 has been fully seated, the release members 320 on thecartridge 300 engage the trunnion walls 226, 228 and serve to move theanvil mounting portion 223 in a proximal direction “PD” such that thetrunnion walls 226, 228 now pivotally rest on the release members 320.As can be seen in FIG. 21 , when in that position, the anvil mountingportion 223 has moved proximally such that the trunnions 230 are movedout of their respective locking notches 218 and into the bottom of thearcuate slot segment 216 into an “actuatable” position whereby the anvil220 may be pivoted closed by actuating the closure trigger 152.

When the device 10 is in the starting position and the staple cartridge300 has been loaded into the elongate channel as described above, bothof the triggers 152, 102 are forward and the anvil 220 has been moved tothe actuatable position, such as would be typical after inserting theloaded end effector 200 through a trocar or other opening into a bodycavity. The instrument 10 is then manipulated by the clinician such thattissue “T” to be stapled and severed is positioned between the staplecartridge 300 and the anvil 200, as depicted in FIGS. 22 and 23 . Asdiscussed above, movement of the closure trigger 152 toward the pistolgrip 24 causes the proximal closure tube segment 151, the flex neckassembly 70 and the distal closure tube segment 170 to move distally. Asthe distal closure tube segment 170 moves distally, it contacts aclosure ledge 221 on the anvil 220. Pressure from the tissue capturedbetween the anvil 220 and the staple cartridge 300 serves to move theanvil 220 such that the trunnions 230 are positioned to move within thearcuate trunnion slot segments 216. The surgeon may pivot the anvil 220relative to the staple cartridge 300 to manipulate and capture thedesired tissue “T” in the end effector 200. As the distal closure tubesegment 170 contacts the closure ledge 221, the anvil 220 is pivotedtowards a clamped position. The retracted knife bar 130 does not impedethe selective opening and closing of the anvil 220.

Once the desired tissue “T” has been positioned between the anvil 220and the cartridge 300, the clinician moves the closure trigger 152proximally until positioned directly adjacent to the pistol grip 24,locking the handle 20 into the closed and clamped position. As can beseen in FIG. 25 , when in the fully clamped position, the anviltrunnions 230 are located in the upper end of the arcuate slot portion216 and the anvil tab 224 is received within the opening 176 in thedistal closure tube segment 170. After tissue clamping has occurred, theclinician moves the firing trigger 102 proximally causing the knife bar130 to move distally into the end effector 200. In particular, the knifebar 130 moves through the slot 236 in the pivot tab portion 234 of theanvil 220 and into the slot 304 in the cartridge body 302 to contact thewedge sled operably positioned within the staple cartridge 300. As theknife bar 130 is driven distally, it cuts the tissue T and drives thewedge sled distally which causes the staples to be sequentially firedinto forming contact with the staple-forming undersurface 222 of theanvil 220. The clinician continues moving the firing trigger 102 untilbrought proximal to the closure trigger 152 and pistol grip 24. Thereby,all of the ends of the staples are bent over as a result of theirengagement with the anvil 220. The cutting edge 132 has traversedcompletely through the tissue T. The process is complete by releasingthe firing trigger 102 and by then depressing the release button 120while simultaneously squeezing the closure trigger 152. Such actionresults in the movement of the distal closure tube segment 170 in theproximal direction “D”. As the anvil tab 224 is engaged by the opening176 in the distal closure tube segment 170 it causes the anvil to pivotopen. The end surfaces 227, 229 again contact the pusher surfaces 263 onthe anvil lock member 260 to pivot the anvil to the open position shownin FIGS. 20 and 21 to enable the spent cartridge 300 to be removed fromthe elongate channel 210.

FIGS. 26-42 illustrate an alternative surgical stapling instrument 10′that is similar in construction and operation to surgical staplinginstrument 10 except for the differences discussed below. Thisembodiment, for example, employs the pivot mount 240′ illustrated inFIGS. 29 and 30 . As can be seen in FIGS. 27 and 28 one form of a pivotmount 240′ has a body portion 242′ that is configured to be attached tothe elongate channel 210. For example, the body portion 242′ may beformed with two opposed attachment tabs 243′ that are configured toretainingly engage tab openings 211 (FIG. 26 ) formed in the elongatechannel 210. In addition, the pivot mount 240′ has a proximallyextending foot portion 244′ that has a slot 247′ extending therethroughfor axially receiving the knife bar 130. Various embodiments of thepivot mount 240′ further include rocker surfaces 248′ formed on the bodyportion 242′ for pivotally receiving the trunnion walls 226, 228 of theanvil 220 thereon.

This embodiment also includes an anvil lockout system 250′ that preventsclosure of the anvil 220 when a staple cartridge 300′ has not beenproperly installed in the elongate channel 210. Referring to FIGS. 29and 30 , for example, an embodiment of an anvil lockout system 250′includes an anvil lock member 400 that is configured to contact theanvil mounting portion 223 as will be discussed in further detail below.In at least one form, the anvil lock member 400 comprises a leaf spring402 that has a slot 404 therein for accommodating the knife bar 130. Theleaf spring 402 is configured for attachment to the channel guide 79″ ofthe flex neck assembly 70″.

As can be seen in FIGS. 31 and 32 , in at least one form, the surgicalstaple cartridge 300′ includes a cartridge body 302′ that is similar tothe surgical staple cartridge 300 described above, except for thedifferences discussed below. FIG. 29 depicts a wedge sled 360 that issupported within the cartridge body 302′ in the manner described above.In this embodiment, the proximal end portion 303 of the cartridge body302′ is configured to contact a portion of the anvil mounting portion223 and urge the anvil 220 proximally when the cartridge body 302′ isseated within the elongate channel 210.

An understanding of the operation of a anvil lockout system 250′ may begleaned from reference to FIGS. 33-43 . FIGS. 33 and 34 illustrate theposition of the anvil 220 relative to the elongate channel 210 prior toinstalling a staple cartridge 300′. When in that “unloaded” position,the anvil lock member 400 has engaged the upper surface of the anvilsupport portion 223 such that the anvil 220 is pivoted to the openposition on the rocker surfaces 248′ on the pivot mount 140′. When inthat position, the trunnions 230 are seated in their respective lockingnotch 218. When in that position, the surgeon cannot close the anvil 220by actuating the closure trigger 152 to advance the distal closure tube170′. Because the closure tube segments cannot be advanced distally toclose the anvil 220, the closure trigger 152 cannot be actuated to itsfully closed position whereby the firing trigger 102 may be actuated.Thus, when no cartridge 300′ is present, the end effector 200 may not beactuated.

FIGS. 35 and 36 illustrate the initial insertion of the staple cartridge300′ into the elongate channel 210. FIGS. 37 and 38 illustrate the endeffector 200 after the staple cartridge 300′ has been fully seated inthe elongate channel 210. As can be seen in FIG. 37 for example, whenthe cartridge 300′ has been fully seated, the proximal end portion 303on the cartridge 300′ engages the trunnion walls 226, 228 and serves tomove the anvil mounting portion 223 in a proximal direction “PD” suchthat the trunnions are moved out of their respective locking notch 218and into an actuatable position the bottom of the arcuate slot segment216. The anvil 220 is now in position to be pivoted closed by actuatingthe closure trigger 152.

When the device 10′ is in the starting position and the staple cartridge300′ has been loaded into the elongate channel 210 as described above,both of the triggers 152, 102 are forward and the anvil 220 is open andin the actuatable position, such as would be typical after inserting theloaded end effector 200 through a trocar or other opening into a bodycavity. The instrument 10′ is then manipulated by the clinician suchthat tissue “T” to be stapled and severed is positioned between thestaple cartridge 300′ and the anvil 220, as depicted in FIGS. 39 and 40. As discussed above, movement of the closure trigger 152 toward thepistol grip 24 causes the proximal closure tube segment 151, the flexneck assembly 70″ and the distal closure tube segment 170″ to movedistally. As the distal closure tube segment 170′ moves distally, itcontacts a closure ledge 221 on the anvil 220. Pressure from the tissuecaptured between the anvil 220 and the staple cartridge 300′ serves tomove the anvil 220 such that the trunnions 230 are positioned to movewithin the arcuate trunnion slot segments 216. The surgeon may pivot theanvil 220 relative to the staple cartridge to manipulate and capture thedesired tissue “T” in the end effector 200. As the distal closure tubesegment 170″ contacts the closure ledge 221, the anvil 220 is pivotedtowards a clamped position. The retracted knife bar 130 does not impedethe selective opening and closing of the anvil 220.

Once the desired tissue “T” has been positioned between the anvil 220and the cartridge 300′, the clinician moves the closure trigger 152proximally until positioned directly adjacent to the pistol grip 24,locking the handle 20 into the closed and clamped position. As can beseen in FIG. 42 , when in the fully clamped position, the anviltrunnions 230 are located in the upper end of the arcuate slot portion216 and the anvil tab 224 is received within the opening 176 in thedistal closure tube segment 170″. After tissue clamping has occurred,the clinician moves the firing trigger 102 proximally causing the knifebar 130 to move distally into the end effector 200. In particular, theknife bar 130 moves through the slot 236 in the pivot tab portion 234 ofthe anvil 220 and into the slot 304 in the cartridge body 302′ tocontact the wedge sled 360 operably positioned in therein. As the knifebar 130 is driven distally, it cuts the tissue T and drives the wedgesled 360 distally which causes the staples to be sequentially fired intoforming contact with the staple-forming undersurface 222 of the anvil220. The clinician continues moving the firing trigger 102 until broughtproximal to the closure trigger 152 and pistol grip 24. Thereby, all ofthe ends of the staples are bent over as a result of their engagementwith the anvil 220. The cutting edge 132 has traversed completelythrough the tissue T. The process is complete by releasing the firingtrigger 102 and by then depressing the release button 120 whilesimultaneously squeezing the closure trigger 152. Such action results inthe movement of the distal closure tube segment 170″ in the proximaldirection “D”. As the anvil tab 224 is engaged by the opening 176 in thedistal closure tube segment 170″, it causes the anvil 220 to pivot open.The anvil lock member 400 applies a biasing force to the upper surfaceof the trunnion walls of the anvil mounting portion 223 and serves topivot the anvil to the open position shown in FIGS. 33 and 34 to enablethe spent cartridge 300′ to be removed from the elongate channel 210.The entire disclosure of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/429,647,entitled SURGICAL STAPLING DEVICE WITH LOCKOUT SYSTEM FOR PREVENTINGACTUATION IN THE ABSENCE OF AN INSTALLED STAPLE CARTRIDGE, which wasfiled on Mar. 26, 2012, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,078,653, is incorporatedherein by reference.

Referring now to FIGS. 43-60 , an implement portion 1022 can be coupledto the handle of a surgical instrument, such as to the handle 20 of thesurgical stapling device 10 (see, e.g., FIGS. 1 and 2 ), for example.Similar to the implement portion 22 (see, e.g., FIG. 6 ), the implementportion 1022 can include an elongate shaft assembly 1030, which can beoperably coupled to an end effector 1200. In certain instances, the endeffector 1200, which can be similar to the end effector 200, forexample, can include an elongate channel 1210 and an anvil 1220.Moreover, when the closure trigger 152 (see, e.g., FIGS. 1 and 2 ) ofthe handle 20 is pivotally drawn toward the pistol grip 24 (see, e.g.,FIGS. 1 and 2 ), the anvil 1220 can clamp and/or close relative to theelongate channel 1210 of the end effector 1200. Additionally, when thefiring trigger 102 (see, e.g., FIGS. 1 and 2 ) of the handle 20 ispivotally drawn toward the pistol grip 24, for example, the end effector1200 can staple and/or sever the tissue clamped therein. In variousinstances, similar to the end effector 200, the end effector 1200 can beconfigured to articulate about an elongate axis of the device 10 and, inother instances, the end effector may be non-articulatable.

Referring primarily to FIGS. 43-45 , the elongate shaft assembly 1030can be similar to the elongate shaft assembly 30, for example, and caninclude a proximal closure tube segment 1151, which can extend from thehandle 20 (see, e.g., FIGS. 1 and 2 ). In various instances, theproximal closure tube segment 1151 can include a distal end portion1157, which can be coupled to a flexible neck assembly 1070. Theflexible neck assembly 1070 can be similar to flexible neck assembly 70(see, e.g., FIGS. 2 and 3 ) and, in such instances, the flexible neckassembly 1070 can permit articulation of the end effector 1200 relativeto the proximal closure tube segment 1151, for example. In certaininstances, the flexible neck assembly 1070 can have first and secondflexible neck portions 1072, 1074, which can be separated by a centrallongitudinal rib 1073 (FIGS. 43 and 45 ). The neck portions 1072, 1074can each have a plurality of neck ribs 1075, which can be configuredessentially as semi-circular disks, for example. Moreover, a side slot1076 (FIG. 45 ) can extend through each of the neck ribs 1075 to providea passage through the first and second flexible neck portions 1072, 1074for articulation members, such as the articulation members 89, 90 (see,e.g., FIG. 2 ) and exterior reinforcement band portions 86, 87 (see,e.g., FIG. 2 ) of the flexible band assemblies 83, 85 (see, e.g., FIG. 2), for example. In a similar fashion, the central longitudinal rib 1073of the flexible neck assembly 1070 can separate the first and secondflexible neck portions 1072, 1074, for example, and can have a centrallongitudinal slot for providing a passage to receive stapler actuatingmembers, for example. In various instances, a channel guide 1079 (FIG.45 ) can extend from the distal end of the flexible neck portions 1072,1074, for example, and can guide the movement of the stapler actuatingmember(s) into a surgical staple cartridge 1300 of the end effector1200.

As discussed above, the end effector 1200 can comprise the elongatechannel 1210, which can be configured to operably receive a surgicalstaple cartridge 1300. Moreover, the anvil 1220 can be movably supportedrelative to the elongate channel 1210 and can be moved from an openposition (see, e.g., FIGS. 52 and 53 ) to closed positions (see, e.g.,FIGS. 59 and 60 ), in which tissue between the anvil 1220 and theelongate channel 1210 can be cut and/or stapled, for example. Themovement of the anvil 1220 between open and closed positions is at leastpartially controlled by a closure system, which, as indicated above, iscontrolled by the closure trigger 152 (see, e.g., FIGS. 1 and 2 ).

In at least one form, the closure system can include a distal closuretube segment 1170, which can be similar to distal closure tube segment170 (see, e.g., FIGS. 1 and 2 ), for example. The distal closure tubesegment 1170 can be non-movably coupled to the channel guide 1079 (FIG.45 ) of the flexible neck assembly 1070. In various instances, thedistal closure tube segment 1170 can comprise an opening 1176 therein,which can be adapted to interface with an upstanding tab 1224 formed onthe anvil 1220. In various instances, axial movement of the proximalclosure tube segment 1151 can result in axial movement of the flexibleneck assembly 1070, as well as axial movement of the distal closure tubesegment 1170. In such instances, distal movement of the proximal closuretube segment 1151 can generate translational movement of the anvil 1220distally and rotational movement toward the elongate channel 1210 of theend effector 1200, for example. Correspondingly, proximal movement ofthe proximal closure tube segment 1151 can generate translationalmovement of the anvil 1220 proximally and rotational movement away fromthe elongate channel 1210 of the end effector 1200, for example

Further to the above, as shown in FIGS. 45-47 , the elongate channel1210 can have a proximal end portion that includes spaced mounting tabs1212. For example, a mounting tab 1212 can be positioned on each lateralside of the elongate channel 1210. In various instances, the mountingtabs 1212 can be configured to be engaged by hooks on the distal ends ofarticulation bands, such as the articulation bands 96 and 97 (see, e.g.,FIG. 2 ), for example. Thus, in certain instances, reciprocating motionsof the articulation bands can affect articulation of the elongatechannel 1210 relative to the flexible neck assembly 1070, for example. Astaple cartridge 1300 positioned within the elongate channel 1210 canmove with the elongate channel 1210 such that the staple cartridge 1300can be positioned within a surgical site.

Also further to the above, the anvil 1220 can have a staple-formingundersurface 1222 thereon which can be configured for confrontingengagement with the staple cartridge 1300 when the staple cartridge 1300has been mounted in the elongate channel 1210. In various instances, theanvil 1220 can further include a closure ledge 1221, which can be placedin abutting contact with the distal edge of the distal closure tube1170, for example. The anvil 1220 can be formed with a proximallyextending mounting portion 1223, for example, which can includestrunnion walls 1226, 1228 that each have a trunnion 1230 protrudingoutwardly therefrom. In various instances, each trunnion wall 1226 and1228 can have a proximal end surface 1227 and 1229, respectively, forexample, which can operably interface with an anvil lock member 1260 ofthe anvil lockout system 1250, as described in further detail herein.Moreover, in certain instances, each trunnion wall 1226, 1228 canfurther include a contoured surface 1225, for example, which canoperably interface with an abutment surface 1248 of a shiftable guide1240, as described in further detail herein.

In various instances, a downwardly protruding pivot tab 1234 can beformed on the underside 1222 of the proximally extending mountingportion 1223. In various instances, a longitudinal slot 1236 can bedefined through the pivot tab 1234 and, in certain instances, the slot1236 can be configured to receive and support a knife bar, such as theknife bar 130 (see, e.g. FIGS. 2 and 3 ), for example, as the knife bar130 is axially advanced through the end effector 1200 to perform thecutting and stapling functions of the end effector 1200. In addition,the anvil opening tab 1224 can be formed on the mounting portion 1223,such that the tab 1224 can operably interface with the opening 1176 inthe distal closure tube segment 1170, as further discussed herein.

Referring now to FIGS. 48, 50, 52, 55, 57 and 59 , the anvil trunnions1230 can be configured to be movably received in corresponding trunnionslots 1214 formed in the proximal end of the elongate channel 1210. Invarious instances, each trunnion slot 1214 can have an arcuate slotsegment 1216 and a locking notch 1218. The arcuate slot segment 1216 canform a pivot path for the trunnion 1230, for example, as the anvil 1220pivots relative to the elongate channel 1210, for example. Moreover, incertain instances, when the trunnion 1230 is received in the lockingnotch 1218, the geometry of the locking notch 1218 can prevent travel ofthe trunnion 1230 along the arcuate slot segment 1216, for example.

In various embodiments, the end effector 1200 can include a shiftableguide 1240, which can be slidably retained in the elongate channel 1210,for example. Referring primarily to FIGS. 45-47 , the shiftable guide1240 can comprises a body portion 1242 that can be configured to move orslide within the elongate channel 1210. In at least one instance, thebody portion 1242 may be formed with two opposed attachment tabs 1243that are configured to retainingly engage tab openings 1211 formed inthe elongate channel 1210. Additionally or alternatively, the shiftableguide 1240 can have a proximally extending foot portion 1244, which canhave a downwardly protruding retainer lug 1245. In various instances,the retainer lug 1245 can be dimensioned and positioned such that it canbe received in a corresponding lug opening 1219 (see, e.g. FIGS. 46 and47 ) in the bottom of the elongate channel 1210. Additionally oralternatively, the shiftable guide 1240 can include proximal nubs 1249which can protrude from opposite lateral sides of the shiftable guide1240, for example. In various instances, each nub 1249 can be slidablypositioned in a nub slot 1217 (see, e.g., FIGS. 46 and 47 ) in thelateral sides of the elongate channel 1210.

In various instances, the shiftable guide 1240 can shift and/or movewithin the elongate channel 1210. For example, as described in furtherdetail herein, various components of the end effector 1200 can bias theshiftable guide 1240 into and/or toward different positions within theelongate channel 1210. Moreover, when the shiftable guide 1240 moveswithin the elongate channel 1210, the opposed attachment tabs 1243 canslide within the tab openings 1211, the retainer lug 1245 can slidewithin the lug opening 1219, and/or the opposing proximal nubs 1249 canslide within the nub slots 1217, for example. In such instances, the tabopenings 1211, the lug opening 1219, and/or the nub slots 1217 canconstrain, guide and/or limit the shifting and/or displacement of theshiftable guide 1240 relative to the elongate channel 1210 along alongitudinal path, for example. This longitudinal path can comprise arange of positions for the shiftable guide 1240. In various instances,the longitudinal lengths of the tab openings 1211, the lug opening 1219and/or the nub slots 1217 can limit the longitudinal range of motion ofthe shiftable guide 1240. As described in further detail herein, theshiftable guide 1240 can cooperate with an anvil lockout system 1250,for example, and can facilitate the locking and unlocking of the anvil1220 relative to the elongate channel 1210, for example.

Referring still to FIGS. 45-47 , the body portion 1242 of the shiftableguide 1240 can have an upstanding central portion 1246, for example,which can have a slot 1247 extending therethrough for axially receivinga knife bar, such as the knife bar 130 (see, e.g., FIGS. 2 and 3 ), forexample. The central portion 1246 can provide lateral support to theknife bar 130 as it is driven through tissue clamped within the endeffector 1200, for example. In various instances, the slidable guide1240 can also include a barrier portion 1241, which can extendproximally from the body portion 1242. The barrier portion 1241 can forma wall and, in various instances, the proximal nub 1249 can extendoutwardly from the wall of the barrier portion 1241, for example. Invarious instances, the shiftable guide 1240 can include a pair oflateral barrier walls 1241 which can be positioned on opposite sides ofthe proximally extending foot portion 1244. In at least one form, thelateral barrier walls 1241 can extend proximally beyond the foot portion1244 and on either side thereof, for example.

In various instances, each lateral barrier wall 1241 can include aproximal-most edge, for example, which can define a ramped or contouredsurface. As described in further detail herein, the ramped proximal edgecan define a slope that corresponds to a sloped portion of the trunnionslot 1214. Various embodiments of the shiftable guide 1240 can alsoinclude abutment surfaces 1248 formed on each lateral barrier wall 1241.For example, the abutment surfaces 1248 can extend along the rampedproximal edge of each lateral barrier wall 1241. As described in furtherdetail herein, the abutment surfaces 1248 can be operably positioned inabutting contact with a portion of the proximally extending mountingportion 1223 of the anvil 1220, for example. Moreover, in certaininstances, the profile of the abutment surfaces 1248 can match and/orcomplement a portion 1225 of the proximally extending mounting portion1223 of the anvil 1220, for example. As described in further detailherein, engagement between the abutment surfaces 1248 of the shiftableguide 1240 and the mounting portion 1223 of the anvil 1220 can affectmovement of the trunnions 1230 between the locking notches 1218 and thearcuate slot segments 1216, for example.

In various instances, as the shiftable guide 1240 is moved within theelongate channel 1210, the lateral barrier walls 1241 can move relativeto the lockout notches 1218 defined in the elongate channel 1210. Forexample, when the shiftable guide 1240 is within a first range ofpositions relative to the elongate channel 1210, a portion of thelateral barrier walls 1241 can be longitudinally aligned with theirrespective lockout notches 1218 such that the barrier walls 1241 overlapthe lockout notches 1218. When the shiftable guide 1240 is within asecond range of positions relative to the elongate channel 1210,however, the lateral barrier walls 1241 can be longitudinally offsetfrom the respective lockout notches 1218 such that the barrier walls1241 do not overlap the lockout notches 1218, for example. In variousinstances, the ramped proximal edge and abutment surfaces 1248 of thebarrier walls 1241 can move between a distal position which is distal tothe lockout notches 1218 and a proximal position at least partiallyoverlapping and/or extending past a least a portion of the lockoutnotches 1218.

As further indicated above, in various instances, the end effector 1200can include an anvil lockout system 1250 which can prevent the anvil1220 from being closed when a staple cartridge 1300 has not beeninstalled and/or has not been properly installed in the elongate channel1210. In various instances, the lockout system 1250 can operablyinterface with the shiftable guide 1240, for example, to prevent, or atleast attempt to prevent, the closure of the anvil 1220. Referring toFIGS. 45-47 , for example, the anvil lockout system 1250 can include amovable anvil lock member 1260, for example, which can be similar toanvil lock member 260, for example. In various instances, the anvil lockmember 1260 can be movable in response to contact by a portion orportions of a staple cartridge 1300, as discussed in further detailbelow. Moreover, in at least one form, the anvil lock member 1260 cancomprise a body portion 1262 which can have a distally protrudingcentral support tab 1264 formed thereon. A slot 1266 can extend throughthe body portion 1262 and the central support tab 1264, for example, toenable a knife bar, such as the knife bar 130 (see, e.g., FIGS. 2 and 3), for example, to pass therethrough. Referring primarily to FIG. 45 ,the body portion 1262 can further include a proximally extendingmounting bar 1268, for example, which can be configured to be slidablyreceived within the corresponding mounting opening 1270 in the channelguide 1079 of the flexible neck assembly 1070. In various instances, abiasing member in the form of, for example, a coil spring 1269 can besupported within the opening 1270 to bias the anvil lock member 1260 inthe distal direction “DD” (FIG. 45 ).

When the anvil 1220 is mounted to the elongate channel 1210, further tothe above, the trunnions 1230 can be received within their correspondingtrunnion slots 1214 in the elongate channel 1210, for example, and thecentral support tab 1264 of the anvil lock member 1260 can be receivedbetween the trunnion walls 1226, 1228, for example. In certaininstances, the anvil lock member 1260 can be closely received betweenthe trunnion walls 1226, 1228. Furthermore, the central support tab 1264can be positioned intermediate the barrier walls 1241 of the shiftableguide 1240, for example. In certain instances, the body portion 1262 ofthe anvil lock member 1260 can be formed with two cam surfaces 1263, forexample, which can be configured to operably engage the proximal endsurfaces 1227, 1229 of the trunnion walls 1226, 1228 of the anvil 1220.In such instances, the cam surfaces 1263 of the anvil lock member 1260can bias the mounting portion 1223 of the anvil 1220 distally and/ordownwardly, similar to the cam surface 263 of anvil lock member 260, forexample. In various instances, the cam surfaces 1263 of the anvil lockmember 1260 can bias the trunnions 1230 of the anvil 1220 into and/ortoward the locking notches 1218 in the elongate channel 1210, forexample. Simply put, the spring 1269 can bias the anvil lock member 1260distally and the anvil lock member 1260 can contact the anvil 1220 andpush the trunnions 1230 distally. Similarly, the anvil 1220, when pusheddistally by the anvil lock member 1260, can push the shiftable guide1240 distally. As will be described in greater detail further below, thestaple cartridge 1300, for example, can be inserted into the elongatechannel 1210 to push the shiftable guide 1240, the anvil 1220, and theanvil lock member 1260 proximally to unlock the anvil 1220. Suchproximal movement of the shiftable guide 1240, the anvil 1220, and theanvil lock member 1260 can resiliently compress the spring 1269. In theevent that the staple cartridge 1300 were to be removed from theelongate channel 1210, the spring 1269 could resiliently expand to pushthe shiftable guide 1240, the anvil 1220, and the anvil lock member 1260distally once again and lock the anvil 1220.

As discussed above, the surgical staple cartridge 1300, for example, canbe structured and configured to interact with the anvil lockout system1250 and the shiftable guide 1240, for example, when the staplecartridge 1300 is installed in the elongate channel 1210. Referring toFIGS. 45-47 , the surgical staple cartridge 1300 can include a cartridgebody 1302, which can be similar to cartridge body 302, for example. Thecartridge body 1302 can be sized and structured to be received withinthe elongate channel 1210. In at least one form, the cartridge body 1302can be configured to be seated in the elongate channel 1210 such thatthe cartridge body 1302 is removably retained therein. The cartridgebody 1302 may be formed with a centrally disposed slot 1304 therein forreceiving a knife bar, such as the knife bar 130 (see, e.g., FIGS. 2 and3 ), for example. In various instances, rows 1306, 1308, 1310 of stapleopenings 1312 can be positioned on each side of the slot 1304, and canbe configured to support a surgical staple (not shown) therein.Referring primarily to FIGS. 43 and 45 , in various instances, threerows 1306, 1308, 1310 of staple openings 1312 can be defined on eachside of the slot 1304. In other instances, the cartridge body 1302 caninclude fewer than six rows of staple openings 1312 or more than sixrows of staple openings 1312, for example. In some instances, theopenings 1312 may not be arranged in longitudinal rows. In variousinstances, the surgical staples may be supported on staple drivers (notshown), for example, which can be movably supported within the stapleopenings 1312.

As described above with respect to the cartridge body 302, in variousinstances, a wedge sled, such as wedge sled 360 (FIG. 29 ), for example,can be slidably positioned within the cartridge body 1302. The wedgesled can be configured for axial movement through the cartridge body1302 when contacted by the knife bar. In various instances, the wedgesled can be configured with wedge-shaped driving members, for example,which can contact the staple drivers and drive the drivers and theircorresponding staples toward the closed anvil, for example, as the wedgesled is driven distally through the cartridge body 1302. Examples ofstaple driver arrangements and wedge sled arrangements that may beemployed are described in further detail in U.S. Pat. No. 7,669,746,entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGES FOR FORMING STAPLES HAVING DIFFERENT FORMEDSTAPLE HEIGHTS, which issued on Mar. 2, 2010, the entire disclosure ofwhich is herein incorporated by reference. To facilitate installation ofthe wedge sled and drivers in the cartridge body 1302, in variousembodiments, metal cartridge pan(s) 1314 may be attached to thecartridge body 1302, as shown in FIG. 45 . The cartridge pan(s) 1314 canserve to retain the wedge sled and drivers within the cartridge body1302.

Referring primarily to FIGS. 46 and 47 , the cartridge body 1302 canfurther include a proximal nose portion 1320, for example, which canprotrude from the cartridge body 1302 in the proximal direction. Whenthe cartridge 1300 is seated in the elongate channel 1210, for example,the proximal nose portion 1320 can be configured to engage and/orcontact the shiftable guide 1240. In various instances, the nose portion1320 can have a tapered perimeter, for example, which can facilitateengagement between the cartridge body 1302 and the shiftable guide 1240.In at least one instance, a tapered recess 1238 in the distal end of theshiftable guide 1240 can be configured to receive the proximal noseportion 1320 of the staple cartridge 1300. In such instances, theshiftable guide 1240 can guide the staple cartridge 1300 into a fullyseated position and/or into proper alignment within the elongate channel1210. Moreover, engagement between the proximal nose portion 1320 andthe tapered recess 1238 can facilitate proper alignment of the slot 1304in the cartridge body 1302 and the slot 1247 in the shiftable guide1240, for example, which can further facilitate proper alignment of thecartridge body 1302 with the slot 1266 in the locking member 1260, theslot in the channel guide 1079, and/or various elements of the firingassembly, such as the knife bar 130 (see, e.g., FIGS. 2 and 3 ), forexample. As described in further detail herein, placement of the staplecartridge 1300 in the elongate channel 1210 can bias the shiftable guide1240 proximally via engagement of the proximal nose portion 1320 withthe tapered recess 1238, for example. The proximal movement of theshiftable guide 1240 can shift the proximal mounting portion 1223 of theanvil 1220 proximally via engagement between the abutment surfaces 1248of the shiftable guide 1240 and the contoured portions 1225 of thetrunnion walls 1226, 1228, for example. When the anvil 1220 is shiftedproximally, the trunnions 1230 of the anvil 1220 can move out of thelocking notches 1218 and into the arcuate slot segments 1216 of thetrunnion slots 1214 defined in the elongate channel 1210, for example.

The operation of the anvil lockout system 1250 is depicted in FIGS.48-60 . Referring to FIGS. 48-51 , the anvil 1220 can be oriented in anopen position relative to the elongate channel 1210 prior to a staplecartridge being inserted into the elongate channel 1210. The anvil 1220can also be oriented in the open position depicted in FIGS. 48-51 aftera staple cartridge has been removed from the elongate channel 1210. Sucha configuration of the end effector 1200 can be referred to as an“unloaded” configuration. In such an unloaded configuration, the anvillock member 1260 can be biased in the distal direction “DD” by thespring 1269, such that the cam surfaces 1263 (FIG. 51 ) on the anvillock member 1260 are in contact with the end surfaces 1227, 1229 (FIGS.50 and 51 ) of the trunnion walls 1226, 1228. The anvil lock member 1260can push the anvil mounting portion 1223 in the distal direction “DD”and/or downward, for example, such that the trunnions 1230 are seated intheir respective locking notches 1218. The cam surfaces 1263 on theanvil lock member 1260, in cooperation with the end wall surfaces 1227,1229 defined on the anvil 1220, can also serve to pivot and retain theanvil 1220 in the open position shown in FIGS. 48-51 . In the event thatan operator of a surgical instrument comprising the end effector 1200attempts to close the anvil 1220 when the end effector 1200 is in itsunloaded configuration, the anvil lock member 1260 can resist or preventthe closure of the anvil 1220. Stated another way, the anvil lock member1260 can prevent the rotation of the anvil 1220 toward the elongatechannel 1210 which can, in turn, prevent the distal displacement of theclosure tube segment 1170. In such circumstances, the closure trigger152 cannot be actuated to its fully closed position by the operator ofthe surgical instrument and, as a result, the firing trigger 102 (see,e.g., FIGS. 1 and 2 ) cannot be actuated to fire the staples containedwithin the staple cartridge and/or incise the tissue captured betweenthe staple cartridge and the anvil 1220. Thus, when no staple cartridgeis present in the elongate channel 1020 and/or when a staple cartridge,such as the staple cartridge 1300, is not fully seated in the elongatechannel 1020, the end effector 1200 may not be actuated. Moreover, invarious instances, when the wrong staple cartridge has been loaded intothe elongate channel, such as a staple cartridge that is shorter thanthe intended staple cartridge 1300, the anvil lock system 1250 canprevent the operator from closing and actuating the end effector. Such asystem can be referred to as a “no-cartridge lockout” and/or a “shortcartridge lockout”, for example.

When the anvil mounting portion 1223 is biased in the distal direction“DD”, referring again to FIGS. 48-51 , the contoured portion 1225 (FIGS.49 and 51 ) of the trunnion walls 1226, 1228 can be placed and/or pushedinto abutting engagement with the proximally extending barrier portions1241 of the shiftable guide 1240 such that the shiftable guide 1240 isalso shifted into and/or biased toward the distal direction “DD”. Insuch instances, the attachment tabs 1243, the retainer lug 1245, and/orthe nubs 1249 can be shifted distally in their respective slots and/oropenings 1211, 1217, 1219 in the elongate channel 1210, for example.Moreover, the trunnion walls 1226, 1228 can push the proximallyextending barrier portions 1241 distally past the locking notches 1218.Stated another way, the proximally extending barrier portions 1241 canbe positioned distally such that the proximal ends of the barrierportions 1241 and the abutment surfaces 1248 (FIG. 51 ) of the barrierportions 1241 are longitudinally offset from, and not overlapping with,the locking notches 1218. In such a position, the barrier portions 1241of the shiftable guide 1240 do not block the trunnions 1230 fromentering into the locking notches 1218. In fact, the biasing force whichpushes the shiftable guide 1240 distally also pushes the trunnions 1230into the locking notches 1218. The trunnions 1230 can be configured suchthat they do not rotate, or at least substantially rotate, when they arepositioned within the locking notches 1218 which, as a result, preventsthe anvil 1220 from rotating relative to the elongate channel 1210. Invarious instances, the trunnions 1230 may comprise a non-circularcross-section, for example. In certain instances, each trunnion 1230 cancomprise a circular portion and a lock portion extending from thecircular portion, for example. The circular portion can define an axisabout which the anvil 1220 can rotate and the lock portion can beconfigured to engage a lock notch 1218. In at least one instance, thelock portion of a trunnion 1230 can comprise a wedge configured to abuta sidewall of a lock notch 1218 and, owing to this abuttingrelationship, the anvil 1220 may not rotate, or at least substantiallyrotate, relative to the elongate channel 1210. In order for the anvil1220 to be rotated relative to the elongate channel 1210, the anvil 1220can be pushed proximally such that the lock portions of the trunnions1230 are disengaged from the lock notches 1218 and the trunnions 1230can enter into the arcuate portions 1216 of the trunnion slots 1214 asdescribed herein.

FIGS. 52-60 depict the staple cartridge 1300 fully seated within theelongate channel 1210. When the staple cartridge 1300 has been fullyseated, referring primarily to FIGS. 52-54 , the proximal nose portion1320 of the cartridge 1300 can be nested within the recess 1238 (FIG. 54) in the shiftable guide 1240. In various instances, the tapered noseportion 1320 can slide into the recess 1238 in the shiftable guide 1240until the cartridge body 1302 is in abutting engagement with theshiftable guide 1240. As the staple cartridge 1300 is moved into thefully seated positioned with the elongate channel 1210, the tapered noseportion 1320 can push the shiftable guide 1240 in the proximal direction“PD”, for example.

Referring still to FIGS. 52-54 , a portion of the shiftable guide 1240can be in abutting engagement with a portion of the proximally extendingmounting portion 1223 of the anvil 1220. For example, the proximal endand abutment surface 1248 of the barrier wall 1241 of the shiftableguide 1240 can be positioned against a contoured edge 1225 of thetrunnion wall 1226, 1228. In such instances, proximal shifting of theshiftable guide 1240 can also affect proximal shifting of the trunnionwalls 1226, 1228 of the mounting portion 1223. For example, the barrierwalls 1241 can push the contoured edges 1225 of the trunnion walls 1226,1228 in the proximal direction “PD”. In various instances, the shiftableguide 1240 can overcome the spring force generated by the spring 1269engaged with the lock member 1260 of the anvil lock system 1250, forexample, to shift the mounting portion 1223 proximally. When thecartridge 1300 is fully loaded into the elongate channel 1210, referringprimarily to FIG. 52 , the anvil mounting portion 1223 can be movedproximally such that the trunnions 1230 are pushed out of theirrespective locking notches 1218. For example, the trunnions 1230 can bemoved into the bottom of the arcuate slot segment 1216 such that thetrunnions 1230 and the anvil 1220 are in an “unlocked” or “actuatable”position, for example, whereby the anvil 1220 may be pivoted closed byactuating the closure trigger 152 (see, e.g., FIGS. 1 and 2 ).

When the staple cartridge 1300 is fully seated within the elongatechannel 1210 and the shiftable guide 1240 is biased proximally, asdescribed herein, at least a portion of the shiftable guide 1240 canoverlap the locking slots 1218 in the elongate channel 1210. Forexample, the shiftable guide 1240 can be shifted proximally such thatthe barrier portions 1241 are longitudinally aligned with the lockingnotches 1218. In certain instances, the barrier portions 1241 canlongitudinally overlap the locking notches 1218, for example, and can belongitudinally offset from the arcuate slot segments 1216, for example.Referring to FIG. 52 , the barrier portions 1241 can be shifted suchthat they at least partially cover and/or block the locking notches 1218in the elongate channel 1210; however, in such a position, the barrierportions 1241 may not cover and/or block the arcuate slot segment 1216,for example. Moreover, when the barrier portions 1241 longitudinallyoverlap the locking notches 1218, the barrier portions 1241 can blockthe trunnions 1230 from entering into or accessing the locking notches1218. In such instances, the trunnions 1230 can be guided away from thelocking notches 1218 and along the arcuate slot segments 1216, forexample.

When the surgical stapling instrument 10 is in its open, unfiredconfiguration, as illustrated in FIG. 1 , both of the triggers 152, 102can be in an unactuated or, shifted-forward, position and, when theproper staple cartridge has been properly loaded into the end effector1200, the anvil 1220 can be in an actuatable position, such as would betypical after inserting the loaded end effector 1200 through a trocar orother opening into a body cavity. The instrument 10 can then bemanipulated by the clinician such that the tissue to be stapled andsevered by the end effector 1200 is positioned between the staplecartridge 1300 and the anvil 1220. As discussed above, movement of theclosure trigger 152 toward the pistol grip 24 (FIGS. 1 and 2 ) canaffect distal movement of the proximal closure tube segment 1151, theflexible neck assembly 1070 and the distal closure tube segment 1170.Moreover, referring now to FIGS. 55-58 , as the distal closure tubesegment 1170 moves distally, it can contact the closure ledge 1221 onthe anvil 1220. The anvil 1220 can contact the tissue and push thetissue against the staple cartridge 1300 to create clamping pressurewithin the tissue. As the reader will appreciate, different types oftissue can react differently to the clamping pressure applied thereto;nonetheless, the tissue can apply a reactive force to the anvil 1220which can cause the anvil 1220 to move along a path which is at leastpartially defined by the arcuate trunnion slot segments 1216. In anyevent, the surgeon can pivot the anvil 1220 relative to the staplecartridge 1300 to manipulate and capture the desired tissue in the endeffector 1200.

When the cartridge 1300 is fully seated in the elongate channel 1210, asdiscussed above and referring primarily to FIG. 57 , the proximal edgeand abutment surfaces 1248 of the barrier walls 1241 can extendproximally past the locking notches 1218. As also discussed above, aportion of the barrier walls 1241 can longitudinally overlap the lockingnotches 1218 and the proximal edges of the barrier walls 1241 can be atand/or near the boundary between the locking notches 1218 and thearcuate slot segments 1216. In various instances, the proximal edges andabutment surfaces 1248 of the barrier walls 1241 can be longitudinallyaligned with a portion of the edge of the arcuate slot segments 1216,for example, such that the proximal edges of the barrier walls 1241guide the trunnions 1230 along the arcuate slot segments 1216 when theanvil 1220 is being closed relative to the cartridge 1300, for example.

Once the tissue has been positioned between the anvil 1220 and thecartridge 1300, in various instances, the clinician can move the closuretrigger 152 (see, e.g., FIGS. 1 and 2 ) proximally until positioneddirectly adjacent to the pistol grip 24 (see, e.g., FIGS. 1 and 2 ), forexample, locking the handle 20 (see, e.g., FIGS. 1 and 2 ) into theclosed and clamped position. When the anvil 1220 is in its fully clampedposition, referring now to FIGS. 59 and 60 , the anvil trunnions 1230can be located in the upper end of the arcuate slot portions 1216. Afterthe tissue has been clamped, the clinician can move the firing trigger102 (see, e.g., FIGS. 1 and 2 ) proximally causing the knife bar 130(see, e.g., FIGS. 2 and 3 ) to move distally into the end effector 1200.In particular, the knife bar 130 can move through the slot 1236 in thepivot tab portion 1234 of the anvil 1220 and into the slot 1304 in thecartridge body 1302 to contact the wedge sled operably positioned withinthe staple cartridge 1300. As the knife bar 130 is driven distally, itcan sever the tissue captured between the anvil 1220 and the staplecartridge 1300 and drive the wedge sled distally which can cause thestaples to be sequentially fired into forming contact with thestaple-forming undersurface 1222 of the anvil 1220.

In various instances, the clinician can continue to move the firingtrigger 102 until it is adjacent the closure trigger 152 and the pistolgrip 24. In certain instances, a single actuation of the firing trigger102 can be sufficient to deform all of the staples removably stored inthe staple cartridge 1300 while, in other instances, more than oneactuation of the firing trigger 102 may be required to deform all of thestaples removably stored in the staple cartridge 1300. Concurrent withthe staple deformation, the cutting edge 132 (FIGS. 2 and 3 ) of theknife bar 130 can traverse through the tissue T. Once the tissue hasbeen sufficiently stapled and incised, the firing trigger 102 can bereleased and the anvil 1220 can be opened to release the tissue capturedwithin the end effector 1200. In certain instances, the anvil 1220 canbe opened by depressing the release button 120 (FIGS. 1 and 2 ) whilesimultaneously squeezing the closure trigger 152. Such action can resultin the movement of the distal closure tube segment 1170 in the proximaldirection “PD”. In such instances, the anvil tab 1224, which can beengaged by the opening 1176 in the distal closure tube segment 1170, cancause the anvil 1220 to pivot open. Additionally, in various instances,the downwardly protruding pivot tab 1234 (FIG. 6 ) extending from theanvil 1220 can push against the spent cartridge 1300 to pivot the anvil1210 back to the open position shown in FIGS. 51-54 . In variousinstances, the spent staple cartridge 1300 can then be removed from theelongate channel 1210 and an unspent staple cartridge can be positionedin the elongate channel 1210 in order to reuse the surgical instrumentand end effector 1200 once again.

In various instances, when the spent cartridge 1300 has been removedfrom the elongate channel 1210, the end effector 1200 can return to the“unloaded” and open position depicted in FIGS. 48-51 , for example. Insuch instances, the spring-loaded anvil lock system 1250, e.g., thespring 1269 and the camming surface(s) 1263 of the anvil lock member1260 can bias the end surfaces 1227 and 1229 of the trunnion walls 1226and 1228 distally, which can shift the trunnions 1230 into the lockingnotches 1218 of the trunnion slots 1214, for example. Moreover, thecontoured surfaces 1225 of the anvil mounting portion 1223 can bias thebiasing surfaces 1248 of the shiftable guide 1240 distally, which canshift the shiftable guide 1240 distally, such that the shiftable guide1240 is longitudinally offset from the locking notches 1218, and thus,can unblock access to the locking notches 1218, for example.

The various unique and novel features of the above-described embodimentsserve to prevent the end effector from being closed when a surgicalstaple cartridge is not present or has not been properly seated withinthe elongate channel. When the anvil is in the locked position whereinthe anvil trunnions are retained in their respective locking notches,the anvil is retained in the open position. When in the open position,the end effector cannot be inadvertently inserted through a trocar.Because a full closure stroke is prevented, the firing system cannot beactuated. Thus, even if the clinician attempts to actuate the firingtrigger, the device will not fire. Various embodiments also provide theclinician with feedback indicating that a cartridge is either notpresent or has not been properly installed in the elongate channel.

The devices disclosed herein can be designed to be disposed of after asingle use, or they can be designed to be used multiple times. In eithercase, however, the device can be reconditioned for reuse after at leastone use. Reconditioning can include any combination of the steps ofdisassembly of the device, followed by cleaning or replacement ofparticular pieces, and subsequent reassembly. In particular, the devicecan be disassembled, and any number of the particular pieces or parts ofthe device can be selectively replaced or removed in any combination.Upon cleaning and/or replacement of particular parts, the device can bereassembled for subsequent use either at a reconditioning facility, orby a surgical team immediately prior to a surgical procedure. Thoseskilled in the art will appreciate that reconditioning of a device canutilize a variety of techniques for disassembly, cleaning/replacement,and reassembly. Use of such techniques, and the resulting reconditioneddevice, are all within the scope of the present application.

Preferably, the invention described herein will be processed beforesurgery. First, a new or used instrument is obtained and if necessarycleaned. The instrument can then be sterilized. In one sterilizationtechnique, the instrument is placed in a closed and sealed container,such as a plastic or TYVEK bag. The container and instrument are thenplaced in a field of radiation that can penetrate the container, such asgamma radiation, x-rays, or high-energy electrons. The radiation killsbacteria on the instrument and in the container. The sterilizedinstrument can then be stored in the sterile container. The sealedcontainer keeps the instrument sterile until it is opened in the medicalfacility.

Any patent, publication, or other disclosure material, in whole or inpart, that is said to be incorporated by reference herein isincorporated herein only to the extent that the incorporated materialsdoes not conflict with existing definitions, statements, or otherdisclosure material set forth in this disclosure. As such, and to theextent necessary, the disclosure as explicitly set forth hereinsupersedes any conflicting material incorporated herein by reference.Any material, or portion thereof, that is said to be incorporated byreference herein, but which conflicts with existing definitions,statements, or other disclosure material set forth herein will only beincorporated to the extent that no conflict arises between thatincorporated material and the existing disclosure material.

While this invention has been described as having exemplary designs, thepresent invention may be further modified within the spirit and scope ofthe disclosure. This application is therefore intended to cover anyvariations, uses, or adaptations of the invention using its generalprinciples. Further, this application is intended to cover suchdepartures from the present disclosure as come within known or customarypractice in the art to which this invention pertains.

What is claimed is:
 1. A surgical instrument, comprising: a housing; afiring actuator; a shaft extending from said housing, wherein said shaftcomprises a firing bar; an end effector extending from said shaft,wherein said end effector comprises: a longitudinal axis; a first jawcomprising a channel, wherein said channel comprises a slot and alocking recess; and a second jaw movable relative to said first jawbetween an open position and a closed position, wherein said second jawcomprises a pivot pin movably positioned in said slot; a fastenercartridge seatable in said channel, wherein said fastener cartridgecomprises a plurality of fasteners removably stored therein; and a locksystem, comprising: a lock member longitudinally movable relative tosaid first jaw between a proximal position and a distal position; and abiasing member configured to bias said lock member into said distalposition when said fastener cartridge is not seated in said channel,wherein said pivot pin is retained in said locking recess to preventsaid second jaw from moving into said closed position when said lockmember is in said distal position, and wherein said lock member is movedfrom said distal position to said proximal position by a portion of saidfastener cartridge when said fastener cartridge is seated in saidchannel, and wherein said pivot pin is moved out of said locking recessto permit said second jaw to move into said closed position when saidlock member is moved from said distal position toward said proximalposition.
 2. A surgical instrument, comprising: a housing; a firingactuator; a shaft extending from said housing, wherein said shaftcomprises a firing bar; an end effector extending from said shaft,wherein said end effector comprises: a longitudinal axis; a first jawcomprising a slot comprising a locking portion; and a second jaw movablerelative to said first jaw between an unclamped position and a clampedposition, wherein said second jaw comprises a pivot pin movablypositioned in said slot; a staple cartridge seatable in said first jaw,wherein said staple cartridge comprises a plurality of staples removablystored therein; and a lock system, comprising: a lock member movablerelative to said first jaw between a locked position and an unlockedposition; and a biasing member configured to bias said lock member intosaid locked position when said staple cartridge is not seated in saidfirst jaw, wherein said pivot pin is retained in said locking portion ofsaid slot to prevented said second jaw from moving into said clampedposition when said lock member is in said locked position, and whereinsaid lock member is moved from said locking position to said unlockingposition by a portion of said staple cartridge when said staplecartridge is seated in said first jaw, and wherein said pivot pin ismoved out of said locking portion of said slot to permit said second jawto move into said clamped position when said lock member is moved fromsaid locked position toward said unlocked position.